by Jennifer Nicholson

Rowan Public Library

Boom! Boom! Boom! Clap!”

If you are familiar with this phrase, then you probably know the song “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX which is a popular song from the movie “Fault in Our Stars.”  Based on the popular book by John Greene, this movie has been sweeping the box office and has been the source of excitement for many readers.

If you have been to the movies lately, you probably have noticed several of these movies. “Fault in Our Stars,” “The Maze Runner,” “The Giver” and “If I Stay,” are just a few to mention that are based on books, young adult books, to be exact! 

So, why young adult (YA) books, what is YA?  While many readers have their own reasons for reading YA, this collection is really books that are written for and read by teens, ages 13-18. However, many do include some titles that are aimed at middle school, ages 11-13, into the YA collection as well.  The YA collection does include many different genres —romance, graphic novels, non-fiction, dystopian society, mystery and thriller and even realistic fiction.

Rowan Public Library offers a great collection of YA books.  A few new titles and series to consider are listed below

Throne of Glass series (“Throne of Glass,” “Crown of Midnight”) by Sarah Maas  – If you enjoyed “The Hunger Games” and love fantasy, this is the book for you.  Celaena Sardothien is a trained assassin sent to prison in the salt mines. She expects to end her days there.  Yet, when the Crown Prince Dorian and his Captain of the Guard, Westfall, come with a proposition, she jumps at the chance.  If she survives the challenges set by the King and wins the competition, she could win her freedom.  This book is full of danger, challenges, magic and is a complete page-turner!

Lux series (“Lux: Beginnings,” “Lux: Consequences” and “Opposition”) – Katy has moved to West Virginia, with her mother for a new start after the death of her father.  There she meets Dee and her infuriating brother, Daemon, except they are not human, they are aliens.  Follow Katy as she tries to not fall in love with Daemon, out smarting the government, and saving the ones she loves from an alien invasion.

“I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson- Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are extremely close, until three years later. Something happened to destroy the twins’ relationship.  Written in dual points of view, the reader will discover what happened, and learn that everyone always has half of a story to tell.

“This Star Won’t Go Out” by Esther Earl – This biography is the story of Esther Earl, and is the dedication for “Fault in Our Stars” by John Greene.  At age 12, Esther was diagnosed with metastasized papillary thyroid cancer.  This book contains her journal entries, letters, fiction stories, photos and drawings done of and by Esther.  Her energy and spirit will completely inspire you. Check out her website at www.tswgo.org, to learn more!

I Hunt Killers series (“I Hunt Killers,””Game,” “Blood of My Blood)” by Barry Lyga- Jazz seems like a normal teenager, except his father is one of the most famous serial killers ever.  Having first hand knowledge of his dad’s behavior, Jazz is considered an expert.  After a series of murders, that leaves Jazz wondering if someone is copying his dad, he joins the police and helps investigate the murders.  This thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Come into the library to check these titles out, or visit our catalog online at http://catalog.rowanpubliclibrary.org, to reserve your copy!

Computer classes: Computer Basics, Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m., headquarters. Registration is required by calling 704-216-8242. If you’re new to computers or if you’ve never felt comfortable with them, Computer Basics covers the very basics. Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes long. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.

Teen program: All programs 5:30-7 p.m. East, Monday; South, Tuesday; Headquarters, Tuesday. Teen programs are for middle school and high school students. Light refreshments for teens included.

Book Bites Club: South Regional (only), Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., “Guests on Earth,” by Lee Smith. Book discussion groups for adults and children meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information, please call 704-216-7841.

Adventure Club: Headquarters, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. Adventurous hands-on science based activities and projects for all ages. This month’s theme is “Pirates Ships and Pirate Maps.” Call 704-216-8234 for more details.

November closings: Nov. 26, close at 1 p.m.; Nov. 27-28, Thanksgiving, regular hours resume Saturday, Nov. 29.

Displays for November: headquarters, Carolina Historical Association Metal Detector Club; South, Rowan Doll Society by Gayle Hansen; East, Holiday Village by Mary Earnhardt.

Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.

Children’s story time: Weekly through Nov. 26. For more information, call 704-216-8234.

• Baby Time — A loosely interactive program introducing simple stories and songs to babies 6–23 months old with a parent or caregiver. Program lasts 30 minutes. Headquarters, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; East, Mondays, 10 a.m.

• Toddler Time — Focused on sharing books, singing songs and encouraging listening skills for children ages 18–35 months with a parent or caregiver; lasts 30 minutes. Headquarters, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Mondays, 11 a.m.

• Tiny Tumblers — A loosely interactive program introducing simple stories, musical scarves and instruments for babies 6-23 months old with a parent or caregiver. The same program is offered two times per week; lasts 30 minutes. South, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

• Preschool Time — To encourage the exploration of books and build reading readiness skills for children ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver; lasts 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; East, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; South, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.

• Noodlehead Story Time — For children ages 4-8 to enjoy listening to silly books and tales together; lasts 30 minutes. Headquarters, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Mondays, 4 p.m.

• Art programs — School-age children can learn different art terms and techniques and work on art projects. Program lasts 30 minutes. Headquarters, Art in the Afternoon, Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.; East, Emma’s Easel, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; South, Art with Char, Wednesdays, 4 p.m.